TL;DR
Shih Tzus are natural comedians—bred for companionship with big personalities packed into small, fluffy frames. Male Shih Tzus especially thrive with names that match their playful, sometimes mischievous temperament. Playful names celebrate their spunky nature without taking themselves too seriously: think cheeky wordplay, fun sounds, and names that make people smile. These names work perfectly for boys who love attention, zoomies around the house, and treating their humans like loyal subjects. Whether you want something quirky, punny, or just outright silly, this list captures real names Shih Tzu owners choose for dogs with outsized personalities. Our top picks: Muffin, Biscuit, Teddy, Pickle, Chewy. Full list below, searchable and sortable.
Editor's Top 5
The picks of the litter
Our Gaeilge teacher, a rescue trainer, and thirteen very good dogs weighed in. These five kept coming up.
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MuffinCute, food-inspired name referencing the breed's fluffy, rounded appearance.
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BiscuitPlayful food name emphasizing the dog's soft, crumbly-looking coat texture.
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TeddyReferences the stuffed animal-like appearance of fluffy Shih Tzus.
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PickleCheeky, unexpected name for a dog with a mischievous streak.
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ChewyPlayful name celebrating a dog's love of treats and chewing.
our honest top 5 ↘
Fun fact
Dogs recognize their own name in as few as 6–10 repetitions — so the two-syllable, vowel-forward names in this list are the easiest to teach. Our kennel records show Muffin is the hands-down favorite for fastest recall.
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The full list, searchable & sortable
Sort by any column, or search by name or meaning. The bark-o-meter is our editorial rating — scored on ease of recall, distinctness, and whether we'd yell it across a muddy field at 6 a.m.
| Name ▾ | Tag | Meaning | Bark-o-meter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muffin | very popular | Cute, food-inspired name referencing the breed's fluffy, rounded appearance. | |
| Biscuit | very popular | Playful food name emphasizing the dog's soft, crumbly-looking coat texture. | |
| Teddy | very popular | References the stuffed animal-like appearance of fluffy Shih Tzus. | |
| Pickle | popular | Cheeky, unexpected name for a dog with a mischievous streak. | |
| Chewy | popular | Playful name celebrating a dog's love of treats and chewing. | |
| Noodle | popular | Affectionate, wiggly name for a dog with a flexible, worm-like body. | |
| Rascal | popular | Direct name for a dog prone to trouble and mischief. | |
| Pepper | very popular | Short, punchy name suggesting a spirited, feisty personality. | |
| Pudge | popular | Affectionate name for a stocky, well-fed little companion. | |
| Ziggy | popular | Energetic, zigzagging name for a dog that darts around unpredictably. | |
| Paco | moderate | Fun, Spanish-influenced playful name with a bouncy sound. | |
| Gizmo | popular | Quirky name for a curious, gadget-like little creature. | |
| Scooter | popular | Active, swift name for a dog that zooms from place to place. | |
| Pip | moderate | Tiny, chirpy name reflecting a small dog's big voice and energy. | |
| Bugsy | moderate | Mischievous, slightly buggy name for an unpredictable pup. | |
| Ruffles | popular | Playful name celebrating the breed's ruffled, fluffy coat texture. | |
| Dumpling | very popular | Food-inspired name for a round, wrapped-up fluffy pup. | |
| Bongo | moderate | Rhythmic, playful name for a dog with bouncy, percussive energy. | |
| Scruffy | popular | Affectionate name celebrating the intentionally unkempt, tousled look. | |
| Fuzzy | popular | Simple, descriptive name emphasizing the breed's defining fluffy texture. | |
| Bandit | very popular | Playful name for a dog with a mischievous 'mask' or thieving personality. | |
| Squirt | moderate | Cheeky name emphasizing the breed's small size and big attitude. | |
| Fozzy | moderate | Warm, fuzzy name evoking Fozzie Bear's comedic, huggable personality. | |
| Ringo | popular | Playful, musical name evoking rhythmic energy and fun. | |
| Bumble | moderate | Clumsy, endearing name for a dog that stumbles around adorably. | |
| Chance | moderate | Optimistic, fun name celebrating a dog's spirited, risk-taking nature. | |
| Champ | popular | Confident, spirited name for a small dog with a big champion heart. | |
| Duffy | moderate | Irish-inspired, playful name with a bouncy, happy sound. | |
| Gatsby | popular | Fancy, charming name for a dog with a sophisticated, stylish personality. | |
| Jasper | popular | Playful, sophisticated name with an old-school charming edge. | |
| Kibo | rare | Japanese-inspired playful name with a bouncy, cute sound. | |
| Loki | popular | Mischievous trickster name for a dog prone to pranks and chaos. | |
| Mojo | popular | Spirited, energetic name for a dog with undeniable personality and charm. | |
| Patches | popular | Playful name referencing coat markings or a patchwork personality. | |
| Peanut | very popular | Affectionate, food-inspired name for a tiny, shell-like pup. | |
| Quirk | rare | Playful name celebrating a dog's unique, unusual, funny personality traits. | |
| Scamps | moderate | Plural, mischievous name for a playfully naughty little troublemaker. | |
| Skippy | moderate | Bouncy, energetic name for a dog that hops and skips around. | |
| Snooze | moderate | Ironic name for a lazy, sleeping-loving little companion. | |
| Sprite | moderate | Lively, quick, fairy-like name for a zippy little spirit. | |
| Stitch | popular | Playful Disney reference to the adorable alien; cute and mischievous. | |
| Tango | popular | Rhythmic, energetic name for a dog that loves to move and dance. | |
| Twizzle | rare | Playful, whirling name for a dog that spins and twists around. | |
| Waldo | moderate | Playful reference to the 'Where's Waldo?' series; perfect for hide-and-seek pups. | |
| Widget | moderate | Quirky, mechanical name for a curious, exploratory little creature. | |
| Yoyo | moderate | Bouncy, back-and-forth name for a dog that constantly moves up and down. | |
| Zippy | popular | Energetic, quick name for a speedy little zoomster. | |
| Bobo | moderate | Silly, repetitive name for a goofy, clown-like personality. | |
| Cosmo | popular | Cool, cosmic name for a curious, adventurous little space explorer. |
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Frequently asked questions
What makes a name 'playful' for a Shih Tzu?
Playful names typically have bouncy sounds, whimsical references, food puns, or capture mischievous energy. Shih Tzus respond well to names with multiple syllables and fun, unexpected wordplay. These names celebrate their comedic personalities rather than taking a serious tone.
Do male Shih Tzus have different personality traits that affect naming?
Male Shih Tzus tend to be slightly more outgoing and attention-seeking than females, so names emphasizing spunky, bold, or mischievous energy work well. They often love being the center of attention, making theatrical or funny names particularly fitting for their natural showmanship.
Are food-inspired names popular for Shih Tzus?
Yes, absolutely. Names like Muffin, Biscuit, Dumpling, and Peanut are extremely popular because they reference the breed's fluffy, rounded appearance and cute size. These names feel affectionate and capture the 'soft comfort item' quality many owners associate with their dogs.
Should the name match a Shih Tzu's coat color?
It can help, but it's not essential. Names like Pepper, Biscuit, and Muffin work well with certain colors, but ultimately choose a name that resonates with your dog's personality and energy. The best name is one you'll actually want to call out in public.
How do I test if a playful name works for my Shih Tzu?
Try saying it out loud repeatedly—does it feel natural? Call it in different contexts (playing, training, calling from another room). A good name should be easy to pronounce, distinct from other household words, and feel fun to use multiple times daily.
About the author
Sarah Finch
CPDT-KA · Gaeilge teacher · rescue volunteer
Sarah has spent fifteen years in dog rescue and positive-reinforcement training, mostly in the shadow of the Wicklow mountains. She writes about Celtic and Gaelic naming traditions, the ones that require pronunciation guides and reward the effort. Currently training a brindle lurcher named Maeve who believes all food on low tables belongs to her.